Joint outing with Edinburgh Natural History Society (ENHS)
Site details: Wells o' Wearie and Disused Railway (Innocent Railway) to Bawsinch is situated on the eastern side of the city of Edinburgh in Holyrood Park. The site lies within vice-county of Midlothian vc83 (site centred on NT279723). The site consists of a collection of ponds and adjacent 1.3km stretch of disused railway line, comprising scrub, woodland, grassland and ruderal habitats with a few locally rare plants and invertebrates.
Leader: Natalie Harmsworth (TWIC). Contact mobile: 07818237795.
Aim: To survey the different wildlife species present, including updating the vascular plant list for the site. The site was designated as a Local Biodiversity Site (LBS) by City of Edinburgh Council in 2013. Data generated from the outing will inform the re-assessment of the LBS to confirm whether the site still meets the criteria for an LBS.
Previous notable species recorded on site include the following vascular plants: Black Spleenwort (Asplenium adiantum-nigrum), Hare's-foot Clover (Trifolium arvense), Knotted Clover (Trifolium striatum), Bulrush (Typha latifolia), Thyme-Leaved Sandwort (Arenaria serpyllifolia), Wood Millet (Milium effusum), plus the fungus, Collared Earthstar (Geastrum triplex), Grayling butterfly (Hipparchia semele), Tree Snail (Balea (Balea) perversa) and breeding amphibians.
Meeting details: Meet at 10:30 am near the entrance to the ponds (OS grid reference NT27307242 what3words ///prop.fired.oval).
Requirements: Lunch and drink, outdoor footwear, waterproofs/ sunscreen and sunhat (as weather dictates). Optional – antibacterial hand gel (TWIC will have antibacterial hand gel available).
Suitable for: Recorders and local naturalists. Over 18s only.
Booking essential as places will be limited to 15 people.
Photo credit: Recording on disused railway by MIke Beard. Wells o' Wearies pond by Natalie Harmsworth.
